The Metro Events Guide: Labor Day festivals, sandwich celebrations and more
Discover unique arts and culture events in metro Detroit happening Aug. 28 – Sep. 4, 2025.
Detroit Jazz Festival 2024
It’s Labor Day Weekend, which means tons of annual festivals in Detroit. Plus, some unique celebrations for punks and sandwich enthusiasts. Read on to learn more.
Upcoming events
“What’s So Funny About Detroit?” Comedy Showcase
📍 The Old Miami in Detroit
🗓️ Thursday, Aug. 28
🎟️ $25 online, $30 at the door
The final WDET comedy showcase of the summer, hosted by In The Groove’s Ryan Patrick Hooper. This month’s headliner is Nicole Melnyk with special guests Alaina Bamfield, Madison Thomas, Andy Peters, Reeves Ledbetter, Pat Sievert, Brooke Van Poppelen and Joe Aasim. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. Guests must be 21+.
Michigan State Fair
📍 The Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi
🗓️ Thursday, Aug. 28 through Monday, Sep. 1
🎟️ $10–$42
A family-friendly festival featuring carnival rides, livestock shows, talent competitions, beer tastings and more. General admission is $10, and some festival activities cost extra. The fair is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday through Monday.
46th Annual Detroit Jazz Festival
📍 Various locations in Detroit
🗓️ Friday, Aug. 29 through Monday, Sep. 1
🎟️ Free
The world’s largest free jazz festival, featuring dozens of performances by world-renowned musicians across several local venues. General admission is free, but VIP seating and other perks are available for $125–$600. Performances start at 6 p.m. on Friday and at noon on Saturday through Sunday.
Arts Beats & Eats
📍 Downtown Royal Oak
🗓️ Friday, Aug. 29 through Monday, Sep. 1
🎟️ $10–$68
An annual festival featuring live music, a juried art fair, carnival competitions and more. General admission ranges from $10–$12 depending on the day and time, and VIP tickets are available for an additional $68 online. The festival is open Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Monday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
45th Annual Hamtramck Labor Day Festival
📍 Joseph Campau Street in Hamtramck
🗓️ Saturday, Aug. 30 through Monday, Sep. 1
🎟️ Free
An annual Labor Day celebration featuring live music, carnival rides, canoe street racing and more. The Labor Day Parade takes place on Monday, Sep. 1, and the festival is open from noon to 10 p.m. each day.
Crew Fest
📍 Tangent Gallery in Detroit
🗓️ Saturday, Aug. 30
🎟️ $16
A new community-driven art and music festival celebrating the underground punk and alternative scenes. There will be live performances by local bands, art for sale by independent makers and refreshments from unique kitchens. The festival goes from 2–11 p.m.
Detroit Sandwich Party
📍 Eastern Market Shed 5 in Detroit
🗓️ Sunday, Aug. 31
🎟️ Free to attend, sandwich prices vary
The second annual event celebrating the great sandwich makers of our city. Guests can sample small-format sandwiches from dozens of local vendors, and drinks are available for purchase as well. The party goes from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
15th Annual Detroit Month of Design
📍 Various locations in metro Detroit
🗓️ Monday, Sep. 1 through Tuesday, Sep. 30
🎟️ $0–$100+
An annual celebration Detroit’s designers, featuring a wide range of exhibitions, installations, product launches, tours, hands-on workshops and discussions. This year’s calendar features work from over 500 creatives on display at 95 events throughout the metro area.
